Thanks Al B. Some interesting ideas to think about. I now have the Star tool installed thanks to Virtual PC, so much easier. I also have some more work constraints requiring me to be in Aukland, so this is what I am thinking now maybe:
IST - SIN (via FRA) on SQ to get the 744 to SIN
SIN - SYD SQ
SYD - MEL UA
MEL - AKL NZ
AKL - LAX NZ
LAX - YVR AC
YVR - LGA AC
JFK - LHR UA
LHR - IST OS
Not as exciting as some suggestions, but squeezes in at 28559 unless I am missing something or doing something wrong. Any other thoughts appreciated